News

Diabetics to be taught meditation to help manage condition

A £200,000 Scottish government pilot has been launched to see if the practice helps patients manage the disease

DIABETICS in Scotland will be taught how to meditate as part of a pioneering study aimed at helping thousands of people to avoid needless amputations and heart attacks.

Many people with diabetes also suffer from depression and anxiety and end up losing limbs because they cannot cope with the daily, complex calculations they must make to keep their blood sugar levels under control.

A £200,000 Scottish government funded pilot has been launched to find out if meditation, also known as mindfulness therapy, can help patients manage the disease.

Experts believe that improved mental health will make it easier for patients with diabetes to resist eating sweet foods and help them to self-medicate with daily doses of insulin.